Today marks the five-year anniversary of the passing of Matt Deveney, Playing Dead's original keyboard player, a member here (posting as Lobstahead) and a kind soul and great guy.

Matty passed so young, from a rare form of stomach cancer called GIST. It's not hereditary, it's just random and can affect anyone. The year after he passed, we did a benefit for Dana Farber Cancer Center and raised more than $25,000. This year, we want to do even better. On Saturday, June 16th, 7 pm, Playing Dead will perform at Showcase Live in Foxboro, MA -- a terrific venue with great sound and lights -- and all ticket sales will benefit Dana Farber.

There will also be a silent auction with some great items available, including a private Playing Dead acoustic performance at your place, a framed Phish poster signed by the band, tickets to see Furthur, free beer for a year from Sam Adams, a Legal Seafoods lobster clambake delivered to your door, Patriots tickets, Red Sox tickets, signed books from David Gans and Blair Jackson, a killer photo of Garcia taken by Susana Millman and signed by her and too many more things to list.

There are three levels of support available ranging from $25 on up. Please consider a donation if you can, even if you can't attend. All proceeds go right to Dana Farber, the band, venue and everyone else is contributing their time and effort.

Tickets will also be available at the door for $15.

From Showcase Live:

From the benefit we did at the Museum of Science in 2008:

Fare you well, Matty, we love you more than words can tell. Thanks for any support you might be able to offer.

The Band

Last edited by playingdead on Mon Jun 11, 2012 6:31 am, edited 1 time in total.

The benefit is this Saturday ... please support us if you can. Will post a final list of the cool stuff we got donated for the silent auction, but here's a peek at the framed print renowned Grateful Dead photographer Susana Millman donated ... very cool shot.

Had a nice big turnout Saturday, raised a lot of money (upwards of $10k at the door alone), did a rare acoustic set and two electric sets ... lots of fun had by all. Thanks to anyone who gave us a little support for this great cause.